5/06/2009 @ 6:00PM

In Pictures: Best And Worst Cities To Buy A Home Now

Buy: Chicago, Ill.

Neighborhoods: Gold Coast, River North

Cap rate: 5.8%

Chicago’s Gold Coast is a lair for the wealthy. Rent on a big home here can exceed $10,000 a month, but buying is a relative bargain. If you want to live in the 4,500-square-foot mansion at 45 E. Schiller St., you’ll pay $15,000 a month in rent. Purchasing the same home will cost you $2.5 million and you get a free Mini Cooper as part of the deal.